For many students, a laptop computer is the gateway to online social networks and email. It is a way for them to communicate with their friends, play games and even shop online. However, the majority of college students enrolled in universities around the world considers laptop computers to be a vital tool for homework and studying. In fact, many students believe that laptop computers improve flexibility and effectiveness of studying.
According to a 2009 study conducted by the Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 79.9 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that laptops and networks enhanced flexibility of studying. Although laptops may not enhance studying while at home, most students agreed that laptops made it possible for them to self monitor their studying environment outside of the home. A laptop can be taken just about any place that offers wireless internet connection, such as coffee shops, libraries and bookstores. Most importantly, a laptop can be taken to class, where students can type notes during lecture or work on papers and conduct research in between classes.